The Coming Big Dump

Hey guys! remember last season our top line of Bang-Mueller-Henderson? Wasn't that fun? Depth isn't a bad thing. We can hold 3 extra players on the roster as scratches-a dman and 2 forwards. In my mind that is a top 6 and a bottom 6 scratch. It just creates competition

Depth in this scenario is a crucial thing since most of the depth continues to be 3rd or 4th liners and a group of unproven youngsters. If Grab is looked at there will have to be at least two forwards moved. I like both Goose and Spaling but Spaling will be the one out. It would make better sense to move a Legwand or Fish if they want to sign Grab. But at the end of the day were probably looking at the players we will have on opening day already signed here.

I have no inside info, nor am I making any claims of such regarding Grabovski. I know the team has been interested in him in the past, actually having traded for him literally a minute after the deadline just prior to his contract extension.

There are three teams interested per his agent. There aren't many openings remaining around the league for him to play top-six. I believe we are in on it. That's just my opinion.

didnt mean to overstep and imply that you had inside info(which i know is a no-no on here... edited my original post)... more like Dr McCoy said to Spock... your guesses are usually more accurate than most people's facts

and to Glenn re:Spaling... if he really was in Poile's plan as the 4th line center not Goose, dont you think Poile would have signed him to a multi year extension?? Its not like Poile didnt have the money to throw around....

With the Leafs signing Paul Ranger many leafs fans seem to think that one of Liles or Franson are on their way out.

Anyway we make a play for either?

I think Liles for Spaling could makes some sense, but that's mostly because I don't believe in Ryan Ellis the way many people do. That move also means one of Ekholm, Ellis, or Jones would have to be moved/scratched/sent down (or to juniors for Jones).

I think Liles for Spaling could makes some sense, but that's mostly because I don't believe in Ryan Ellis the way many people do. That move also means one of Ekholm, Ellis, or Jones would have to be moved/scratched/sent down (or to juniors for Jones).

Ok, I believe in Ellis a little more than that, I just see his as a career 3rd pairing PP specialist.

Ekholm...I believe in Mattias Ekholm.

I am only skeptical in Ekholm because he has played in only 3 games. Time will tell on this one. If he is as good as people are making him out to be, then why was Bartley chosen over him last year and why is Bartley the one that everyone has as the 7th D man? That is all I am getting at with this.

Year in Review: Ekholm had a good first professional season in North America. He was a top offensive defenseman in the AHL despite missing some time mid-year from a minor injury.

The Good: Ekholm is an above-average skater, well above-average for a defenseman of his size. He has a good top gear and he moves great in every direction. He has very good offensive skill for a big defenseman, as he can outlet the puck and skate it up ice. On the power play, he also exhibits good instincts and a plus shot.

The Bad: Ekholm's own end play is the last hurdle in his development. His defensive reads are just average, and he could be a better physical player.

I think Liles for Spaling could makes some sense, but that's mostly because I don't believe in Ryan Ellis the way many people do. That move also means one of Ekholm, Ellis, or Jones would have to be moved/scratched/sent down (or to juniors for Jones).

I was thinking Liles, too. We already have plenty of RHD. Franson would be just another one, though I wouldn't be upset with having him back. Liles plays on the left side, so he would fill a more immediate need on the blueline. It would allow us to shelter Jones a bit more, while also giving us more flexibility with Ellis going forward.

didnt mean to overstep and imply that you had inside info(which i know is a no-no on here... edited my original post)... more like Dr McCoy said to Spock... your guesses are usually more accurate than most people's facts

and to Glenn re:Spaling... if he really was in Poile's plan as the 4th line center not Goose, dont you think Poile would have signed him to a multi year extension?? Its not like Poile didnt have the money to throw around....

As deep as our center position seems, I believe we need a top line center to put between Wilson-Hornqvist. I also believe we need another LH Defenseman and a proven backup Goalie. So trade for Liles, Sign Thomas and Grabo. What do you think?

As deep as our center position seems, I believe we need a top line center to put between Wilson-Hornqvist. I also believe we need another LH Defenseman and a proven backup Goalie. So trade for Liles, Sign Thomas and Grabo. What do you think?

So thomas will come to nashville, play for league minimum and be happy being a backup getting about ten starts next year?? What planet does this happen on?

Fwiw I'm fine with grabo... liles would be fine if they will take spaling/smith off our hands but its a luxury not a necessity

As deep as our center position seems, I believe we need a top line center to put between Wilson-Hornqvist. I also believe we need another LH Defenseman and a proven backup Goalie. So trade for Liles, Sign Thomas and Grabo. What do you think?

I would love those three, but where are we getting all of that cash? At a minimum, Grabo will get 4. Thomas will get 2. Liles is at, what, 3.35 or so? That's about 9mil. We don't have space.

So thomas will come to nashville, play for league minimum and be happy being a backup getting about ten starts next year?? What planet does this happen on?

Fwiw I'm fine with grabo... liles would be fine if they will take spaling/smith off our hands but its a luxury not a necessity

I do not believe he will be getting another starting job unless it is on a team that will go nowhere. Who better to backup than the best in the league, Rinne. It is just an idea and I am not as worried about Rinne getting hurt when he is on the bench compared to Hutton

Pronman's analysis ... I'm not as skeptical ... kid needs to put on a little weight for sure, but that can be easily fixed.

As a Milwaukee 1/2 STX holder, the scouting report on Ekholm is accurate. A second pair D-man in the NHL is pretty good in my book. The part about playing in his own end was a problem that entire D corps had at times in Milwaukee. The Admirals had 3 D-men up from Cincinnati at one time. Only one of them (Bitetto) stuck in the AHL. The other two combined for 3 assists in 29 games, not much on the offense end.

That was said about Wilson a couple years ago, and he would have led the team in points if he didn't get hurt this season. People love to say that offensive players cannot thrive here but there are players we have had that have proven otherwise.

Gotta say though, I am seeing some odd similarities on the development paths of Blum and Smith. They came in their rookie year and looked like the second coming, then have been worthless ever since. At this point, Smith might be playing himself toward not getting qualified at 2mil...

Have to wonder how two players that played so well, and had such promise, completely fell apart. Still, Smith has shown what he can do and just has to find his way back to that level.